Reference

The Wołpa Synagogue, often hailed as a "masterwork" of wooden vernacular architecture, was renowned for several distinctive features:

1. Two-storey Alcoves and Galleries: The synagogue had two-storey alcoves in the western corners and galleries on three sides of the upper floor. These galleries were accessed from the vestibule, and provided additional space for worshippers.

2. Elaborate Wooden Structure: As a wooden synagogue, its design included intricate woodwork that was characteristic of the region's wooden synagogues during the period of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

3. Beautiful Aesthetic: It was reputed to be one of the most beautiful wooden synagogues of its time. This beauty was attributed to both its architectural form and the detailed craftsmanship in wood.

4. Interior Design: The synagogue’s interior included notable features such as a central bimah and a Torah ark, which was standard in synagogue design. The newer ceiling, remodeled almost a century later after its mid-1600s construction, was a significant feature on which replicas, such as the one in POLIN in Warsaw, are based.

Here are some images of the Wołpa Synagogue to give a visual reference:

For further reading, you can explore the Wikipedia page on Wołpa Synagogue.